Hospital wins prestigious Silver Award from Ministry of Defence

The work done at George Eliot Hospital NHS Trust to support for the Armed Forces community has been recognised with a silver award as part of the Employer Recognition Scheme from the Ministry of Defence

The prestigious award, celebrating its 10^th anniversary, recognises employers who have actively demonstrated support for the Armed Forces community by implementing policies to help them.

Dr Catherine Free, Managing Director of George Eliot Hospital, said: “To receive this recognition within a year of signing the Armed Forces Covenant is a great achievement and recognises our ongoing commitment to supporting veterans, those who serve or have served in the Armed Forces and their families.

“About eight percent of our region’s population are part of the veteran community, a large amount of who proudly work for us, and we are determined to build up this a close relationship to support them. Thank you to all our people who have undertaken to be veteran champions and to those who support our Armed Forces communities.”

To achieve the Silver award, organisations must proactively demonstrate that the Armed Forces community is not unfairly disadvantaged as part of their recruitment policies.

They must also actively ensure their workforce is aware of their positive policies towards the defence community and understand issues for reservists, veterans, cadet force adult volunteers, and spouses and partners of those serving in the Armed Forces.

Under the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme, employers support defence personnel and encourage others to do the same. The scheme has three levels, Bronze, Silver and Gold for organisations that pledge, demonstrate and advocate support for defence and the Armed Forces community.

George Eliot Hospital NHS Trust is one of 37 organisations in the West Midlands to receive this recognition, including fellow foundation group partner South Warwickshire University NHS Foundation Trust.

Darren Knight, Philip Sinclair and Cat Suckling, Regional Employer Engagement Directors for West Midland RFCA, said: "The Defence Employer Recognition Scheme continues to encourage employers to support Defence and inspire others to do the same.

“We are absolutely delighted that 37 organisations across our region have been recognised by the Ministry of Defence’s Employer Recognition Scheme Silver Award in its 10th year. We know the commitment these organisations show and demonstrate, and applaud their recognition.

“Many congratulations to them all and we look forward to continuing to work with them.”